Dooly Campground (Dooly County, Ga.)

Brief history of Dooly Campground: In 1874, Reverend George Embry, a circuit riding preacher, felt his horse pulling at the rein and attempting to go up stream. Reverend Embry was following what he thought was Pennahatchee Creek (actually it was Sandy Mount Creek). Embry allowed the horse to go a short distance up the creek. The horse came to a clear, cool pool of water. The sight inspired Reverend Embry, and he experienced a vision of God's call to build a campground. On Saturday July 18, 1874, the Vienna Methodist Church was filled to capacity with folks who came to consider building a campground. Funds were raised (almost $100.00) to build a Tabernacle. The first session of the Dooly Camp meeting was held in a slow, autumn rain, on September 10, 1874. Many were converted, revival began and a commitment was made to build a permanent site. The first camp meeting was held under the permanent tabernacle on August 25, 1875, under the leadership of Dr. Joseph S. Key.